Chibuzor Okonkwo

Chibuzor Augustine Okonkwo (born 16 December 1988) is a Nigerian footballer who currently plays as a full-back for Kwara United F.C. Although he is naturally right-footed, he can play on either side of the pitch.

Chibuzor Okonkwo
Personal information
Full name Chibuzor Augustine Okonkwo
Date of birth (1988-12-16) 16 December 1988
Place of birth Jos, Nigeria
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Kwara United
Number 22
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2007 Ifeanyi Ubah F.C.
2007–2010 Bayelsa United
2010–2012 Heartland
2012 Enyimba International F.C.
2013 Enugu Rangers (1)
2013–2014 Asswehly S.C.
2015–2017 Ifeanyi Ubah F.C.
2017 El-Kanemi Warriors F.C.
2017– Kwara United
International career‡
2008 Nigeria U-23 5 (1)
2010– Nigeria 9 (0)
Medal record
Representing  Nigeria
Men's Football
Silver medal – second place 2008 Beijing Team Competition
*Club domestic league appearances and goals
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21 June 2013

Career

In January 2007 Okonkwo moved from Gabros International (now Ifeanyi Ubah F.C.) to Bayelsa United F.C.,[1] where he won the 2008-09 League MVP award after helping Bayelsa win their first ever league title.[2] On 6 October 2009, Okonkwo signed for Heartland F.C.[3] The deal fell through however and he returned to Bayelsa. On 23 August 2010, he was to move to Russian Premier side FC Rostov. But the deal was eventually quashed due to disagreement over wages. He returned home to sign for Heartland, where his mentor Samson Siasia was in charge. In December 2011, it was reported that he attended trial at Aston Villa Football Club. He trialed with Reading F.C. in January 2012,appearing in a reserve team fixture against Watford.[4]

At the end of February 2012, Okonkwo completed a medical and was close to agreeing terms with Vålerenga Fotball, but as of the end of April 2012 was still contracted to Heartland. He signed on 22 November 2012 a two-year deal with Enyimba International F.C.,[5] but the deal fell through and he signed with rivals Rangers in February 2013.[6] In August 2013, he signed a short-term deal with Asswehly in Libya.[7] He rejoined FC Ifeanyi Ubah ahead of the 2015 Nigerian season and helped the promoted club win the Nigeria National League Super Four.[8] He moved to El-Kanemi Warriors F.C. in 2017[9] and transferred to Kwara United in 2018.

International career

Was member of Nigeria U-23 team for 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.[10] He was added to the Super Eagles' list for friendlies in April 2009, the first Nigeria-based player to earn a callup since Shaibu Amodu became coach,[11] but was unable to travel due to visa problems.[12]

He finally made his Nigeria debut on 3 March 2010, starting at right back in the 5–2 home win over Congo DR.

References
  1. "Bayelsa, Gabros fought over Okonkwo". Archived from the original on 9 September 2008. Retrieved 4 September 2008.
  2. http://www.kickoff.com/static/news/article.php?id=10549%5B%5D
  3. Amodu rues Uche's absence, as 30 Eagles begin camping
  4. "Reading Did Not Offer CHIBUZOR OKONKWO A Contract". www.allnigeriasoccer.com/. All Nigeria Soccer. 29 January 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  5. "Welcome soccerpress.net - BlueHost.com". www.soccerpress.net. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  6. "Chibuzor Okonkwo happy with his first goal for Rangers | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  7. "Okonkwo joins Libyan club". Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  8. "Gabros clinch NNL Super 4 - Nigeria National League 2014 - Kwara United - Chibuzor Okonkwo". Archived from the original on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
  9. "Ex-Olympic star Chibuzor Okonkwo joins el Kanemi after he's frozen out at FC Ifeanyiubah | SCORE NIGERIA". Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  10. "FIFA Tournaments - Players & Coaches - Chibuzor OKONKWO". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2008. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  11. "Kick off - South Africa". Archived from the original on 27 April 2009. Retrieved 24 April 2009.
  12. Chibuzor Okonkwo: On A Mission To Conquer For Home-Based Eagles
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